Even the most organized adult can feel stressed leading up to a move. Kids can be especially sensitive to feelings surrounding a move though. Parents may not be acting in their normal fashion and even very young children can pick up on this vibe. You can help make the transition easier, however, by keeping your kids involved and informed. Let them make decisions whenever possible and give them an opportunity to voice their concerns.

Here is what Shelly Seale, an online journalist and relocation expert, had to say about moving with children:

Tips for making the transition:

Give young children an entertaining travel kit for the move.

Give older children a diary for recording the trip & move.

Give children of all ages a special address book & stationary set for keeping up with old friends.

Take videos of the new home if the kids won’t get to see it before the move. Arrive well before the movers so kids can explore and become acquainted first.

Give children a chore to do, such as working on their room (younger), supervising little siblings (middle), and painting or arranging furniture (older kids).

Take a break with the family as soon as possible to explore the museums, sights and recreation in your new city.

Arrange a visit to new schools and a meeting with the teacher before the actual first day of attendance.

Encourage the children to bring new friends home.

Of course, the age of your children can make a big difference as well! Different ages will respond differently to the move. Children under age six may be concerned with being left behind whereas teenagers will mostly be concerned with fitting in.

For more information on what to expect from each age-group, read Seale’s full article at http://womentodaymagazine.com/family/movekids.html

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